Discover an historic rural retreat

A Greek Revival home built in 1834, Stepping Stones is located in historic Wilton Center, hilltop home of industrialists who built mills in Wilton town in the Souhegan River valley below. In the late 1800's Wilton Center became a summer colony for Bostonians searching for the cool fresh air of a nearby country haven. Today Wilton Center is a find -- a rural retreat in the picturesque Monadnock area of southwest New Hampshire, an area renowned for its historic villages, quiet country roads, hiking and bicycling, and a lively arts, crafts and performing arts scene. Bennington Battle Trail is a historic road.

Enjoy an artist's country home filled with crafts and flowers

Choose 1 of 3 guestrooms filled with antiques, handwoven rugs, pillows and throws, and flowers. Bask in the sun streaming into the plant-filled solarium/breakfast room. There are 2 additional common rooms where you can relax, chat with other guests, play chess or cards. Or have a cup of tea and curl up on a plush sofa with a stack of books from the hostess's library.

Explore the extensive gardens

Outside, meander through a garden gate to find one of the garden's hidden-away benches, listen to the birds and let the fragrance of the flowers wash over you. Guests are welcome to follow the garden paths which meander off in all directions. There's always something in bloom. In April, sweeps of crocuses, scilla and early bulbs blanket the still chilly ground By late May the sight of the flowering trees and banks of daffodils, tulips and spring perennials slow passers-by to an admiring crawl. Summer brings a wealth of airy perennials, fragrant roses, Ann's favorite pansies in pots along the walkways, all waving the the summer breezes. And the fall showcases a number of surprisingly late flowers, berry-filled shrubs, massed New England asters, and brilliant foliage.

Hostess Ann an expert gardener

Hostess Ann Carlsmith holds a Certificate in Landscape Design from Radcliffe College and brings 40 years of plant collecting and expertise to her gardens. Ann loves to arrange flowers and her striking and original bouquets are in every corner of the house. For serious plant collectors, "choice" plant specimens are often for sale dug out of the ground. Bring a liner for the trunk of your car!

Pet lovers welcome

Ann is assisted in her hostess duties by a rescued German shepard and 2 reclusive cats. (Outside, the dog is confined to the back of the house.)

Craft-Lovers note:

Ann is also well-known in N.H. as a hand-weaver. She has been a teacher at the Cambridge Center on Brattle Street and a juror for the League of N.H. Crafts. These days she works at her looms all winter. Ann often spins her own wool yarns and she hand-dyes all of the natural fibers in her throws, pillows, and rugs. Her specialty is lush medlies of gentle colors that fit any decor.

Local crafts, arts and performing arts

Southwestern New Hampshire is known for its lively arts scene. The famous Frye's Measure Mill (right) is at the bottom of the hill, and nearby destinations for buyers include the Sharon Art Center gallery, Harrisville Weaving, and many arts and crafts galleries.

Nearby Peterborough is also home to the internationally known MacDowell Colony, a working retreat for writers and artists of all kinds. A number of arts and performing arts series have blossomed in the area, especially in the summer. Stepping Stones B&B is just minutes away from most performance locations. See Things To Do.